The Herd with Colin Cowherd

The Daniel Cormier Show: Sean O'Malley on Knocking Out Song Yadong & Merab Dvalishvili Losing to Petr Yan

Date: January 24, 2026
Host: Jacob Goldstein (for The Volume)
Guest: Sean O’Malley (“Sugar” Sean O’Malley, UFC Bantamweight Contender)

Episode Overview

This episode centers on an in-depth conversation between Jacob Goldstein and Sean O’Malley ahead of O’Malley’s fight against Song Yadong at UFC 324. The discussion explores O’Malley’s growth as an athlete, his approach to setbacks and success, expectations for his upcoming bout, and analysis of division rivals including Merab Dvalishvili and Petr Yan. The tone blends playful banter with sharp fight insight, offering a raw look at how a star like O’Malley handles the highs and lows of a fighting career.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

O’Malley’s Mindset and Growth in the Sport

• Transition to Openness (04:11–06:11)
  • Jacob commends Sean on his maturity and transparency, linking it to podcasting and increased public engagement.
  • O’Malley shares his philosophy:

    "I'm pretty good at just going with the flow. Like, you know, you win fights, you lose fights. It is what it is. ... It's just a lot healthier, better way to live, just being grateful for what I already have." – Sean O’Malley [04:44]

  • Sean describes his natural inclination toward sharing his life on social media and the importance of not letting others’ opinions affect him:

    "If you can get good at not caring what people think, it's easier to, you know, be more vulnerable and put whatever, you know, whatever you want out there and not care what people are gonna say about it." – Sean O’Malley [05:39]

Handling Defeat, Recovery, and Return

• Rush to Fight Again After a Loss (06:11–07:38)
  • O’Malley admits he tried to rush back after a loss, contacting the UFC just weeks after his previous fight:

    "I called Dana Hunter…let me fight the co main event…That was like a couple weeks after the fight. So I was trying to rush it...I just needed to get that taste out of my...mouth." – Sean O’Malley [06:56]

  • Realizes with time that patience served him better, appreciating the opportunity to regroup physically and mentally.

Preparing for Song Yadong

• Evaluating the Matchup (07:38–09:08)

  • O’Malley expects a mixed attack from Song Yadong, anticipating efforts to grapple and exploit potential weaknesses:

    "I'm expecting to come out and try to…I’m definitely expecting that [wrestling/grappling], that’s what we’re ready for. But if not, great." – Sean O’Malley [08:15]

  • He emphasizes his readiness for any approach but doesn’t discount Song’s striking.

• Expectations Upon Being Offered Song Yadong (08:33–09:08)

  • Sean had no specific opponent in mind but embraced the challenge:

    "I was excited for the matchup." – Sean O’Malley [08:45]

Champion Flip: Merab Dvalishvili vs. Petr Yan

• Division Shake-up & Sean’s Title Hopes (09:08–10:05)

  • With Petr Yan regaining the title from Merab, O’Malley sees a clearer path back to a championship fight:

    "When Peter won the fight, I had this...boost of energy...I’m one fight away, I’m one beautiful performance away from...fighting for the belt again." – Sean O’Malley [09:37]

  • Discusses potential rematch with Petr Yan or another possible trilogy.

• Thoughts on Yan vs. Dvalishvili Outcome (10:05–11:12)

  • Sean is only “slightly surprised” by Yan’s win:

    "I know how good Peter Yan is...for him to out...he matched his pace and, you know, kind of broke him a little bit." – Sean O’Malley [10:25]

  • Notes impact of travel, injuries, and exhaustion on Merab’s performance:

    “He didn’t look as shredded as he usually does...who knows how much that affected the fight Saturday night.” – Sean O’Malley [11:12]

Perceptions, Prelims, & Superstar Status

• Addressing Social Media “Demotion” Jokes (11:25–12:22)
  • O’Malley clarifies that his comment about “falling off” to the prelims was sarcastic:

    "I said it in a sarcastic, funny way and...everyone...ran with it. But...my stock has not...fallen. It definitely just took a little...standstill. But we're about to get on the rocket ship again." – Sean O’Malley [11:45]

Game Plan for UFC 324: Song Yadong

• Identifying Dangers and Visualization of the Fight (12:22–13:16)
  • Acknowledges Song’s explosiveness and hunger:

    "He definitely presents some issues. And I'm gonna go out there and...in real time, figure him out." – Sean O’Malley [12:34]

  • Predicts Saturday night will bring out the best in both men:

    "The best Song Yadong is going to bring out the best Sugar." – Sean O’Malley [13:01]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On putting yourself out there:

  "If you can get good at not caring what people think, it's easier to…be more vulnerable and put whatever…you want out there."
  — Sean O’Malley [05:39]

• On career perspective after losing:

  "I was trying to rush it...I just need to get that out of my...mouth."
  — Sean O’Malley [06:56]

• On the division changing hands:

  "When Peter won the fight, I had this...sense of a boost of energy...There’s a more clear path back."
  — Sean O’Malley [09:37]

• On learning from setback and not losing superstar status:

  "My stock...has not fallen. It definitely just took a little…standstill. But we’re...about to get on the rocket ship again."
  — Sean O’Malley [11:45]

Important Timestamps

• [04:04] Sean O’Malley on mental health and maturity
• [05:39] Sean on not caring about public opinion
• [06:56] Sean describes eagerness to return after loss
• [08:15] Fight strategy expectations for Song Yadong
• [09:37] Path back to the UFC bantamweight title
• [10:25] Sean analyzes Petr Yan’s victory over Merab
• [11:45] Clarifying the “fell off” joke about fighting on the prelims
• [12:34] O’Malley assesses Song Yadong’s skillset and how the fight might unfold
• [13:01] Sean’s expectations for a high-level matchup at UFC 324

Summary

This episode offers a grounded, insightful look at Sean O’Malley’s championship aspirations, reflections on personal and professional growth, and shrewd analysis of UFC bantamweight division developments. O’Malley projects supreme confidence but also humility about the grind and unpredictability of the sport. The episode is a compelling listen for fans interested in the mindset behind world-class MMA, providing context for O’Malley’s next moves and what to watch in his upcoming showdown with Song Yadong.